Here is a titbit about Supatsara Thanachat, one of Thailand’s most popular female celebrities: being an actress was never her original intention. The 29‐year‐old shares that she had initially set out to be a model, but fate had a different plan. “Twelve years ago, I [landed my first commercial]. Then, by sheer luck, I was offered [a casting for] a role in a TV series—and I got it. From that moment, I became an actress, something I never expected,” she says.
That pivotal moment happened in 2012, when Thanachat, more affectionately known as “Kao”, was cast in Club Friday, taking on the main role of Jane across two episodes in this series of short stories depicting raw, honest tales from everyday people that were inspired by real‐life calls to a radio programme of the same name.
She candidly shares that stepping onto the set for the first time was a daunting experience. “I was young and naive, and I felt extremely nervous and stressed,” she recalls. “But looking back, that initial stress was a crucial part of my growth.”
Kao’s big break came a year later in 2013, when she was cast in Hormones: The Series, a groundbreaking coming‐of‐age TV drama that captured the pulse of Thai youths. With its bold exploration of taboo subjects and the complexities of teenage life, the show became a nationwide sensation. As Sprite, the rebellious high school student grappling with love and societal expectations, Kao won over audiences, earning her rising‐star status and making her a household name.
Her acting repertoire has only expanded since, with Kao showcasing her versatility in a variety of different projects. In the 2018 Thai drama Anguished Love, for instance, she took on the challenge of playing dual roles: that of Sarapee, a cold‐hearted criminal, and Nisa, her morally upright counterpart in the next life.
The stark contrast between the two characters highlighted the thespian’s ability to embody both antagonistic and sympathetic roles with equal conviction. In her most recent project, Faceless Love (2023), the Thai adaptation of the Japanese drama Rich Man, Poor Woman, she once again demonstrated her ability to excel in roles that demand both charisma and depth with her captivating portrayal of Mirin, a young woman who lies about her identity to land a job, as well as her effortless chemistry with co‐star Jirawat “Dew” Sutivanichsak.
Each role has been a stepping stone in her personal and professional growth, and “every [one] teaches me something new,” Kao reflects. “Whether it’s from work or life, each experience shapes me a little more. I adapt to the character, the environment and even [the surprises] that come with the job.”
When asked about her dream role or genre, Kao’s response is refreshingly pragmatic: “I have no specific role or genre I want to play right now. I just want to work on projects that make me happy, where I can push myself to be the best I can be. There are so many factors—such as the script and the team—that make a project truly great.”
Still, even the most dedicated artiste can experience moments of burnout, and Kao readily admits that finding fresh inspiration to take on new and diverse roles can be tough. “It can be difficult to feel inspired all the time when [some days, it feels like you’re doing the same thing again and again]. But I focus on the role I’m working on, and I try to give it my all,” she shares, before jokingly adding that “if you have any tips on how to find fresh inspiration, I’d really appreciate any advice!”
Kao’s down‐to‐earth attitude, it seems, extends beyond work and into life. As she shares, family has always been a guiding force in her life and the values instilled into her in her youth continue to have influence over her today. When probed further on those beliefs, the actress expounds: “Be humble and kind, and treat everyone equally,” she says, echoing advice from her family that has shaped her outlook on both work and life.
And as the holiday season approaches, Kao is looking forward to the quiet moments at home. “[This] is the best time to stay home and be with my friends and family,” she says. “I rarely travel during this time because of the crowds. This year, I have no plans yet—maybe I’ll just spend time with my dogs to recharge for next year!” For her, maintaining balance in life is key. “In my free time, I prioritise my mental and physical health,” she shares. “And my dogs—nothing beats the support [they give] and the joy they bring.”
Reflecting on 2024, Kao lets on that she is content with the year she has had. “This year, I learnt a lot about myself,” she reveals. “I found more of my peace and happiness, so for the coming year, I wouldn’t look for anything special. I just want to keep focusing on the present moment.”
With several projects lined up for release in 2025—including the horror film Kong Tao, also featuring stars from Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore—the coming year looks set to be an eventful one for Kao. “I’m excited and eager to see [my works that will be released in 2025], especially one project that’s still under wraps—I can’t say much, but it’ll be streaming globally on an online platform,” she teases. “Please stay tuned!”
As she gears up for another busy year, it is clear that Kao is not just ready for what comes next—she is embracing it with open arms. “The best moments in life come when you least expect them,” she says brightly. For this rising star, we are sure that the best is yet to come.
PHOTOGRAPHY WEEYANG
CREATIVE DIRECTION & STYLING IAN LOH
HAIR PANITHAN SUMMA
MAKEUP NEWTRON WHANGVISARN
PRODUCER RATCHADA TUBTIMPHET
SET DESIGNER YUKON BOONPRASART
VIDEOGRAPHER PURINUT WITCHUPRAPAPORN
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANTS MANIT JUMPA, WORAWUT WANTHANANISAN
FASHION ASSISTANTS LORRAINE CHAI, PONGSATORN PAIRLOY
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